Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
5823 results(179 / 233)
Monitoreo e identificación de algunos insectos plagas asociados a la agricultura urbana en Veracruz centro
2014Mabel Hernández Osorio, Ana Lid del Ángel Pérez, Carlos Nahin Castro José · Revista Biológico Agropecuaria Tuxpan · Mexico
This study in Veracruz, Mexico, identified insect pests associated with urban cultivation of vegetables and aromatic species in two types of recycled containers. Daily ethological monitoring revealed five insect pests: whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporariorum), red spider mite (Tetranychus urticae C.L.Koch), leaf miner (Liriomyza sp), thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis), and aphids (Myzus persicae). The findings aim to inform preventive actions and biological control strategies to reduce pest presence in urban container vegetable production.
BiodiversityDIYCommunityGrupe solidarne razmjene. Počeci ekonomije solidarnosti u Hrvatskoj/ Community supported agriculture. The beginnings of solidarity economy in Croatia
2014Olga Orlić · Etnološka tribina · Croatia
This paper presents research results on solidarity exchange groups in Zagreb County, Croatia. These groups are described as an alternative form of direct food procurement, primarily organic, from producers. They promote ecological food production, foster equal partnerships between buyers and producers, and build solidarity and trust among people.
CSA & TeikeiEconomicsCommunityFood sovereignty & justicePredictors of Youth Voluntary Participation in Urban Agriculture Programme in Malaysia: A Review
2014Neda Tiraieyari, Azimi Hamzah · Modern Applied Science · Malaysia
University Putra Malaysia (UPM) introduces urban agriculture programs for urban residents and trains student volunteers to support program implementation. This paper reviews existing literature on factors predicting voluntary participation among young students and proposes a conceptual model for program developers to promote youth voluntary participation. Research is recommended to predict factors influencing UPM students' voluntary participation in the urban agriculture program, and further research is also recommended to explore how program planners can overcome potential barriers to student participation.
Food educationCommunityTaste in the Anthropocene: The Emergence of “Thing-power” in Food Gardens
2014Bethaney Turner · M/C Journal · Global
This paper examines the role of taste in relation to food produced in backyard or community gardens. As outlined by Bourdieu, taste is constructed by factors primarily driven by economic position and cultural influences, with the rise of international agribusiness significantly impacting the social shaping of tastes. Food is primarily conceptualized as an economic and symbolic good controlled by humans, and literature on food provisioning choices in food sociology and human geography tends to focus on understanding food purchasing decisions and eating habits.
CommunityEconomicsHealthGearing up to support urban farming in California: Preliminary results of a needs assessment
2014Rachel Surls, Gail Feenstra, Sheila Golden, Ryan E. Galt, Shermain Hardesty, Claire Napawan, Cheryl Wilen · Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems · United States (California)
Urban agriculture (UA) in California has been slower to gain momentum compared to other urban states, partly due to limited availability of relevant information and technical assistance for urban farmers and municipal decision-makers. A University of California Cooperative Extension project is developing web-based educational resources based on a needs assessment, which includes a literature review, an internal survey of personnel, and community interviews. Preliminary findings indicate challenges in supporting urban farming due to resource constraints and information gaps.
Governance failurePolicyEconomicsCommunityQuel(s) rôle(s) pour l'agriculture urbaine à Montréal-Nord : perceptions et vision des résidents.
2014Marie-Ève Voghel Robert · · Canada (Montréal)
This research internship, conducted in Montreal-Nord, Canada, during winter and spring 2013, aimed to understand the potential of urban agriculture from the perspective of both gardeners and non-gardeners. Through five group interviews, participants emphasized the essential role of human and social relationships in collective gardening projects, beyond just food production. They also proposed integrating collective gardening with other projects to create a comprehensive food system in Montreal-Nord, enhancing project longevity and food accessibility.
CommunityFood educationHealthCity of Rosemount Community Gardens Evaluation Proposal
2014Elizabeth McNamara, Danielle Proulx, Luke Hanson, Yue Zhang, T.H. Stephan · University of Minnesota Digital Conservancy (University of Minnesota) · United States
This report was completed by students enrolled in PA 5311: Program Evaluation, taught by Hanife Cakici and Jodi Sandfort in fall 2014.
CommunityPolicyDemonstrating fence options for community, school and home vegetable and ornamental gardens in areas with high deer and woodchuck pressure
2014Annie Christian · eCommons (Cornell University) · United States
This project tested two fencing methods—heavy woven wire with chicken wire, and heavy black plastic with hex mesh—to exclude deer and woodchucks from gardens. Master Gardener volunteers and CCE staff recorded material costs, participated in installation, and monitored effectiveness weekly. The project also provided IPM education to the public and schools through tours, workshops, and an instructional video.
Food educationCommunityDIYAyer, hoy y mañana de los huertos urbanos en Andalucía
2014Raúl Puente Asuero · · Spain
This record is a summary of a conference on urban gardens in Andalusia, Spain, delivered by D. Raul Puente Asuero at the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Malaga on April 7, 2014. No specific findings or details about urban gardens are provided in the abstract.
CommunityPolicyExploring the key factors to the success of the organic gardening for primary schools project and potential obstacles that may reduce the efficacy of such initiatives
2014Aoife McCormack · eSource (Dublin Business School) · Ireland (Dublin)
This qualitative study used in-depth interviews with professionals to identify key success factors and potential obstacles for organic gardening projects in primary schools. Findings highlighted the benefits of school gardens, including their observable impact on children's social, food, and environmental development, and their integration with the curriculum. The study also indicated that funding and resource limitations are areas requiring further research to improve the efficacy of such initiatives.
Food educationCommunityHealthBiodiversityMission San Jose Well Initiative
2014Mary Foran, Nonda Kozas, Daniel Lafranchi · Scholar Commons (Santa Clara University) · United States (California)
The Mission San Jose Well Initiative is a community-based project in Fremont, California, aiming to develop a sustainable irrigation system for a community garden. The system will utilize one of three wells on the Dominican Sisters' Convent property, employing a submersible solar-powered pump to deliver water to a storage tank, which then supplies the garden and other areas via a timer. The project focuses on environmental and water resource design, balancing budget, functionality, and location.
CommunityClimate changeOrganic cycleFactors affecting roadside urban agriculture in Zimbabwe: A case study of Harare high density suburb of Mufakose
2014Wisdom Kurangwa, Retseleng Karonga, Kwayedza Muranda Kaseke, Liliosa Pahwaringira · International journal of research in social sciences · Zimbabwe (Harare)
A case study on roadside urban agriculture in Mufakose high density suburb, Harare, Zimbabwe, showed that the majority of respondents were unemployed, aged 41-60, had a high number of dependents, and earned less than $200 per month. This high level of poverty, combined with inadequate home garden space, forced them to practice roadside agriculture to supplement their diet and income.
CommunityWelfareEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceCommunity gardens as pathways to community resilience? Reflections on a pilot study in Adelaide, South Australia
2014Melissa Nursey‐Bray, ELEANOR PARNELL, Rachel A. Ankeny, Heather Bray, Dianne Rudd · South Australian Geographical Journal · Australia (Adelaide)
This paper discusses the role of community gardens in enhancing community resilience, using a case study in Adelaide, South Australia. The study concludes that community gardens offer the possibility of building community resilience and social cohesion, in addition to providing urban green space, amidst increasing challenges from urbanization, pollution, and climate change.
CommunityClimate changeBiodiversityManagement models : AMS SUB Roof-Top Garden for productivity and community
2014Brittany Buchanan, Toby Lam, Bonnie Lee, Aldhyan Randy, Natasha Tymo · cIRcle (University of British Columbia) · Canada
This student project, part of the UBC Food Systems Project, researched human resource management strategies for the new Student Union Building (SUB) Rooftop Garden at the University of British Columbia. Through literature review and interviews, four management models were discussed. The group identified a student club model with incentives, potentially led by a directed studies or paid position, as a fitting starting point for motivating students to contribute to food production for campus outlets.
CommunityFood educationEconomicsDistributed Design: Media Technologies and the Architecture of Participation
2014Joel McKim · The MIT Press eBooks · Global
This book examines the usefulness and limits of "DIY citizenship" and "critical making" in recent years. It explores diverse forms of political participation, ranging from activist blogging and video production to knitting and the creation of community gardens. The collection describes DIY citizens as active interventionists, makers, hackers, modders, and tinkerers, pursuing new forms of engaged and participatory democracy.
DIYCommunityEnhancing Food Security and Economic Welfare through Urban Agriculture in Zimbabwe
2014Ezra Pedzisai, Pedzisai Kowe, C. H. Matarira, Anyway Katanha, Ronald Rutsvara · Journal of food security · Zimbabwe
The contributions of urban agriculture to household food security and income were assessed in Cold Stream, a low-income residential area of Chinhoyi town in Zimbabwe. Twenty questionnaires were administered to urban farmers, five key informants were interviewed, and three fieldworks were carried out. Results showed that urban agriculture is a prominent livelihood for the poor unemployed majority (53%), and while local non-governmental organizations provide inputs and technical advice, there is no government support. Questionnaire results confirmed that farmers are poor, using yields and income primarily for basic necessities. All urban farmers (100%) consume their produce, enhancing food security. A majority (80%) agreed that urban farming makes food cheaper, improving accessibility. About half (48%) also agreed that urban agriculture reduces food insecurity in their rural homes. Challenges include a lack of credit lines for inputs and unfavorable policy arrangements that classify urban agriculture as an illegal activity.
Food sovereignty & justiceEconomicsWelfareCommunityPolicyEvaluation of Urban Agricultural Land Use Efficiency based on Urban Agricultural Multi-Functionality—a Case Study of Xi'an City
2014Yu Wang · · China (Xi'an)
This paper constructed indicators for urban agricultural land use efficiency by incorporating urban agricultural ecosystem service indexes and evaluating their values in Xi'an city using the DEA method, analyzing temporal and spatial changes. Results showed that economic efficiency of agricultural land use gradually increased from 2010 to 2012, reaching 1 in 2011 and 2012, with social and eco-efficiency both in good conditions, indicating increasingly significant urban agriculture service functions. However, economic efficiency decreased spatially from urban core to suburban and rural areas, while social efficiency remained generally high, and eco-efficiency diminished from the city to surrounding counties.
EconomicsCommunityBiodiversityOrganic cycleCuban Agriculture and Food Sovereignty
2014Efe Can Gürcan · Latin American Perspectives · Cuba
An analysis of the restructuring of Cuban agriculture shows that food sovereignty policies in Cuba are built on a fourfold strategy emerging from a state/civil-society partnership at local, national, and regional levels. These strategies include the collectivization of land through agrarian cooperatives, the socialization of urban agriculture based on participatory methods, the guaranteeing of local access to food through free agricultural markets, and the transnationalization and solidarity of agroecological movements.
Food sovereignty & justicePolicyCommunityShop & live in to [sic!] green : un progetto di trasformazione per l’area HT6 Bordina
2014Roberta Pucci · · Italy (Settimo Torinese)
A project for urban transformation in the HT6 Bordina area of Settimo Torinese, Italy, was proposed. This project critiques a previous plan for 15-story buildings as invasive for the surrounding low-rise residential area and presents a more sustainable alternative, including social and production spaces like an urban garden, playground, and commercial square. The proposal aims to connect existing green areas, residential areas, and a historic farmhouse.
CommunityPolicyUrban–rural linkageA desalambrar. Agricultura urbana, huertos comunitarios y regulación urbanística
2014Nerea Morán Alonso, José Luis Fernández de Casadevante · Hábitat y Sociedad · Spain
In Spain, urban agriculture is gaining importance, but faces difficulties in municipal regulation, particularly for community gardens. This regulatory challenge perpetuates the insecurity and precariousness of urban agriculture projects.
Governance failureCommunityPolicyOrganic in Cape Town - fresh food security revolution : organic farmers
2014Carol Posthumus · SABI Magazine - Tydskrif · South Africa (Cape Town)
Abalimi Bezekhaya, a community-supported agricultural organization in Cape Town, operates a network of approximately 5000 small-scale organic farmers across various areas of the Cape Flats. The organization views the city as a farm, contributing to fresh food security.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceOrganic cycle도시농업을 위한 빗물이용시설 최적 설계용량 산정
2014권경호 · 한국생태환경건축학회 학술발표대회 논문집 · South Korea
This study aimed to support the decision of design volume for small rainwater cisterns for urban farming. Using the STORM Rainfall-Runoff Model, a computer simulation was conducted to determine optimal design capacities under specific unit catchment and farming area circumstances. The findings provide guidance for designing rainwater harvesting facilities for urban agriculture.
Climate changeCommunityDIYImproving Participation of Non-Traditional Extension Audiences: The Empower Ocala Garden Project
2014Austen Moore, Norma Samuel, Glenn D. Israel · Journal of Extension · United States
The Empower Ocala Garden project in Marion County aimed to increase participation among low-income minority populations and address food desert conditions. It created a community garden for 12 households and provided bi-weekly trainings. Evaluation using pre- and post-project questionnaires showed participants attended 53.4% of sessions, attitudes improved by 9.82% across four indicators, and knowledge increased by 19.57% across eight indicators.
CommunityFood educationWelfareHealth加快都市农业发展 促进园区农民增收——乌当区樱桃现代高效农业示范园区建设存在问题及对策
2014Chen Ao Nan · 农民致富之友 · China (Wudang District)
A field survey conducted on agricultural parks in Wudang District, Guizhou Province, China, studied the development status, progress, and existing problems of the Wudang District Cherry Modern High-Efficiency Agricultural Demonstration Park. The findings indicated that while the park's construction progressed rapidly and orderly with some innovations in its operating mechanism, it also faced many problems and difficulties.
Governance failurePolicyEconomicsCommunityPracticing urban agriculture on campus : integrating the LFS Garden with the Faculty of Land and Food Systems community
2014Jessica Chen, Shawn DiPardo, Yuliana Hermanto, Amy Jennermann, Lyviana Mananta, Sharon Lee, Alanna Jean Schroeder · cIRcle (University of British Columbia) · Canada
This student project at the University of British Columbia focused on expanding the LFS Garden to enhance organic production, provide food, and offer interdisciplinary learning opportunities. The group reviewed literature and consulted stakeholders to devise a business proposal for the garden's development, covering aspects like management, layout, and educational integration. The project also designed a garden layout and established a garden management committee.
Food educationCommunityOrganic cycleDIY